NHL WAIVER DRAFT : Lightning Takes Islanders’ Creighton

Adam Creighton, left unprotected by the New York Islanders, went to the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning as the first of eight players selected during Sunday’s NHL waiver draft.

“I got a lot of phone calls from other GMs since the (waiver) list was released (Saturday night) wondering whether I was going to take Creighton,” Lightning General Manager Phil Esposito said. “Any time you can get a 6-4 or 6-5 center, you take him.”

Creighton had 21 goals and 15 assists last season.

“He will certainly be the most proven goal-scorer on the team,” Esposito said.

The Ottawa Senators took defenseman Norm Maciver, a free agent from the Edmonton Oilers, with the second choice.

The San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers each made two picks before the lottery ended when all 24 teams passed during the third round.

The Sharks took forward Yvon Corriveau from Washington during the first round, then gambled during the second round by selecting center Igor Larionov from the Vancouver Canucks. Larionov is playing in Europe this season.

The Flyers took defenseman Shawn Cronin from the Quebec Nordiques during the first round before adding left wing Doug Evans from Boston during the second. Defenseman Chris Dahlquist was taken by the Calgary Flames from the Minnesota North Stars during the first round, and Dave Christian of the St. Louis Blues went to the Chicago Blackhawks.